It was a huge few days for the Lakes Entrance Tennis Club over the New Year’s period, running not one but two successful tournaments.
The club attracted more than 100 visitors for the annual tennis tournament and inaugural pickleball tournament.
Both were played in perfect weather, resulting in lots of happy players and officials.
The club kicked off the year with its regular New Year tournament with a great roll up of players from around the state, who thrived in the friendly atmosphere, great food and competitive games of tennis over two great days.
It was fantastic to see the regular players return and some new faces as well, players mingling like they have known each other for years.
Friday saw the club host its first ever pickleball tournament, further proof on how popular this relatively new sport to Australia has become, with 38 players partaking in the round robin format.
Players travelled from as far as Townsville in Queensland and Shepparton in Victoria’s north to play and enjoy the relaxed, fun Lakes Entrance coastal environment.
“It was fantastic to see the regular players return and some new faces as well,” tournament coordinator of the event Boyd McPhee said.
“A highlight was the visit from Nicola Brodie all the way down from Townsville to run the tournament board, directing players to courts and collating scores. Things ran so smoothly with Nicola on board.”
Women’s section one winner was Melanie Clifford, runner-up Lisa Harrison, while section two winner was Tiffany Chek and runner-up Dianne Arnott.
Men’s section one winner was club prsident Michael Spruzen, with Alec McPhee finishing second. Section two was taken out by Brendan Woodwood ahead of Mick Caffery, while section three winner Daryl Belskyj was too good for Ollie Stephenson.
Old timer awards went to Russel Smith and Betty Banfield, the good sport award to Luke Sperti and battler award to Sharon Caffery.
“Congratulations must go to local businesses, members and friends of the club for their incredible support. A big thank you Lakes Entrance,” Boyd said.
